Spool tension device



Dec. 18 1923. 1,477,958

E. R. HOLMES SPOOL TENSION DEVICE Filed Nov. 15 1922 Patented Dec. l8, i223.

ELBBIDGE R. HGLMES, OF WORCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS, ASSIGNGR T CEOMPTON & KNOVJLES LOOM WORKS, CORPOIELATIOI T OF MASSACHUSETTS.

SPOOL TENSIGI? DEVICE.

Application filed November 15, 1922.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, ELBRIDGE Hour :5, a citizen of the United States, residing VVOIL'GStGlT, in the county of W orcester and State of hilassachusetts, have invented a new and useful Spool Tension Device, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to a spool tension device particularly designed for use in narrow ware looms. In such looms, the warp threads are wound upon a series of spools, one or more spools being provided for each width of fabric. It is essential that uniform tension be maintained upon each of these numerous spools.

It is the general object of my invention to provide an improved form of tension device which possesses important advantages over the devices heretofore used for this purpose. More specifically it is the object of my invention to provide a tension device by which tension may be applied to each head of a warp spool and by which the tension may be equalized between the heads.

My invention further relates to arrangements and combinations of parts which will be hereinafter described and more particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

A preferred form of the invention is shown in the drawings in which Fig. 1 is a partial side elevation of a narrow ware loom embodying my improvements;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged side elevation of one of the improved tension devices;

Fig. 3 is a plan view of the tension device; and

Figs. 4 and 5 are a plan and side elevation respectively of one of the tension members.

Referring to the drawings, I have shown a portion of a, loom frame to which a spool stand or creel 11 is firmly secured. A .Series of warp spools S are rotatably mounted upon the creel 11 and may be supported by shafts or rods 12 received in notches 13 in plates 14 secured to the stand 11. Sliding lock plates 15 are provided to retain the shafts 12 in the notches 13.

My improved spool tension device comprises a frame 16 on the under side of which a pair of tension members 17 are pivotally mounted. These members 17 are preferably provided with a leather or other friction facing 18 and are arranged to engage the edges of the two heads of a spool S.

Serial No. 601.1%,

A projection 20 of til-shaped section is formed on the cross bar 21 which connects the sides of the frame 16. A shaft is pivotally supported in additional notches 23 in the plates 14 and is also pivotail connected to the U-shaped projection 20. As shown in the drawings, this pivotal connection may be in the form of a cotter pin 2 extending through a transverse opening in the shaft 22 and through corresponding openings in the projection 20. Stop lugs 25 on the frame 16 are positioned for engage ment with the under side of the shaft 22 and limit angular movement of the frame rela tive to the shaft 22.

A secondary frame 26 is provided with a guide roll 27. The frame 26 also has a cross bar 28 upon which tension weights 29 are placed. The frame 16 is provided with a guide roll 30 and also has a cross bar 31 which limits relative upward movement of the frame 26. The usual guide rolls 32, 3?, and 3d are provided for guiding the warp threads from the tension device over the creel and downward to the rear part of the loom frame 10.

ihe course of the warp threads W from the spools S to the loom harnesses is indicated in Fig. 1 and, in part, in Fig. 2. Referring to these figures, it will be seen that each thread W passes from a spool S over a guide roll 30, under a guide roll 37, over guide rolls 32 and 33, and under a guide roll 34-. The tension upon the threads W is determined by the number of weights 29 which are placed upon the cross bar 28 of the secondary frame 26.

Under normal runnin conditions, the frame 26 swings freely below the cross bar 31 and yields upwardly to avoid increased tension as the lay heats up. During this operation, the spool S is held in substantially fixed position by the friction members 17. When, however, the warp threads become shortened so that the frame 26 is swung upward sutliciently to engage the cross bar 31, the frame 16 and friction members 17 are raised and the spool S is permitted to revolve to let off a limited portion of the warp. This permits the frame 26 to swing downward and the friction members 17 to again engage the spool heads.

At all times during the operation of the device, the frame 16 is free to swing upon its transverse pivot 24 on the shaft 22, thus equalizing the friction of the members 17 upon the opposite ends of the spool S; I have found it extremely desirable to thus equalize the tension on, the two ends of the spool, as a tension device thus constructed operates more smoothly and provides a more even tension than one in which the supportingframe is mounted to swing about a single axis only.

Having thus described my invention and the advantages thereof, I do not wish to be limited to the details herein disclosed otherwise than as set forth in the claims, but what I claim is 1-- V 1. A spool tension device comprising a pair of friction members, a frame on which said members are mounted in spaced rela tion, and means to support said frame for free pivotal movement about two different axes disposed substantially perpendicular to each other. 7

2. A spool tension device comprising a pair of, friction members, a frame on which 'said members are mounted in spaced relation, a pivotal support for said frame, and a transverse pivotal connection oetween said frame and said support.

3. A spool tension device comprising a pair of friction members, a frame on which said members are mounted in spaced relation, means to support said frame for swinging movement about an axis substantially parallel to the axis of the spool, and means to support said frame for rocking move ment about an axis substantially perpendicular to said first named axis. 7

4. A spool tension device comprising a pair of friction members, a frame on which said members are mounted in spaced relation, a rotatably mounted shaft disposed substantially parallel to the axis of the spool.

and a transverse pivotal connection between said frame and said shaft.

5; A spool tension device comprising a pair of friction members, a frame on which said members are mounted in spaced relation, means to support said frame for swinging movement about an axis substantially parallel to the axis of the spool, means to support said frame for rocking move ment about an axis substantially perpendicular to said first named axis, and means to limit such rocking movement.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto aflixed my signature,

' ELBRIDGE R HOLl/IES. 

